Wireless FAQ

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1. What is required to connect to Bulldog Wireless Network?

To connect to the AAMU wireless network you must first have:

An 802.11g compatible card or built-in 802.11g radio in your computer or other device and the associated software for this card. Note that all AAMU Wireless locations support 802.11b, so an older 802.11b card will work Almost all 802.11g cards are backwards-compatible, so they will associate with 802.11b access points. Therefore, both 802.11b and 802.11g cards will work, but we recommend purchasing the 802.11g card for better service in upgraded areas. The AAMU SSID, AAMU WIFI and WEP key must be entered into the wireless client software for your wireless network card. The code provided by Resident Director or contact the ITS helpdesk for the code

2. Can Guest connect to the Bulldog Wireless Network?

Yes, follow same procedures in question 1.

3. How do I know if I have a wireless card installed?

The easiest method of checking for the type of network adapter installed in a computer is likely just trough the Device Manager panel that's accessible though the Computer Management. To get there:

-- Right-click on My Computer either in the Start Menu or on the Desktop.

-- From the drop-down menu that appears, select Manage Computer

-- In the resulting screen, look to the left and left-click on Device Manager.

-- In the resulting list of devices, find Network Adapters and left-click on the plus symbol to expand that category.

You should find you have a screen similar to the example below:

Normally the wired adapter will only have the terms "10/100" (sometimes 1000) and/or "Ethernet Adapter" listed as noted above, or possibly "802.3". The example above includes the "10/100Mb and Ethernet" for the wired adapter.

The wireless adapter may in addition to the term "wireless" have something indicating "air" or "802.11" and/or "b", "g", "n" and/or "54" to suggest the wireless functionality. The example above includes the "G54 Wireless" for the wireless adapter.

4. I cannot connect to the AAMU wireless network – what should I do?

Make sure your WIFI adapter is on

Make sure your device can detect the AAMU WIFI network

Contact ITS Servicedesk 256.372.4357

5. How fast is the AAMU wireless network?

The speed of a Wi-Fi wireless network connection depends on several factors. Like most kinds of computer networks, Wi-Fi supports varying levels of performance depending on which technology standards it supports. Each Wi-Fi standard is rated according to its maximum theoretical network bandwidth:

802.11b offered up to 11 megabits per second (Mbps)

802.11a and 802.11g offer up to 54 Mbps

802.11n offers up to 300 Mbps

The performance of Wi-Fi networks practically never approaches these theoretical maximums. 802.11b networks, for example, generally operate no faster than about 50% of theoretical peak, around 5.5 Mbps. Likewise, 802.11a and 802.11g networks generally run no faster than 20 Mbps. And even though 802.11n rates at 300 Mbps compared to wired Fast Ethernet at 100 Mbps, the Ethernet connection can often outperform 802.11n Wi-Fi usage.

6. How do I get a wireless network installed in my office, or building?

Create a work order requesting service. Network support personal will access your request and recommend a solution to provide connectivity. (Note: the solution may not be a wireless solution)

7. Can I install a wireless network or access point in my dorm room or office?

No, access points not installed by IT Services are considered to be rouge access points and services will be blocked.

8. What is better, a wireless or wired connection?

A wired connection is always the better connection. Wired connections provide 100mb connection. Wireless connections shares bandwidth with all devices that connect through the same access point.

9. What factors might be affecting the quality of my wireless connection?

The disparity between theoretical and practical Wi-Fi performance comes from network protocol overhead, radio interference, physical obstructions on the line of sight between devices, and decreasing signal strength with distance. In addition, as more devices communicate on the network simultaneously, its performance will also decrease. The closer your device is to the WIFI signal the better your connection will be.